JOB SHADOW PROGRAM
Coaching Development Program

Overview

We’re inviting you to be a part of the 2026 NBA/NBCA Coaching Development Program (formerly NBA Assistant Coaches Program). If selected, we are inviting you to the 8-month immersive program, tipping off with a program orientation in December.

Apply Now!

If you would like to participate in the 2026 NBA/NBCA Coaching Development Program, please provide your information in the form below.

Start here

Program Background

Through the emphasis on the development of coaching skills, basketball technology, leadership development and hands-on coaching experience, CDP has exposed over 300 players to league GMs, coaches and team personnel as viable coaching candidates through an emphasis on:
- Development: Coaching Skills, Coaching Technology, Leadership Development, Etc.
- Awareness: Hands On Experience, Networking Opportunities, Mentorship, Training, and Exposure to NBCA Coaching Alumni Members

36 alums are currently on NBA, G League, or WNBA coaching staffs for the 2025-26 season.

Participant Benefits

  • Mentorship and exposure to NBCA members through trainings, conversations and NBA Coaches Database.

  • Basketball-related technology training via FastScout, FastDraw, Synergy and SportsCode.

  • Coaching preparation through the development of practice plans, on-court player development plans, game planning and scouting report presentation.

  • Hands on coaching experience at NBA and G League pre-draft and player evaluation events.

  • Intensive interview preparation and communication training.

  • Networking Opportunities with league and team front office personnel.

  • Access to the NBA Coaches Database to create a coaching profile accessible to team decision makers.

  • Integration into NBA Coaches Equality Initiative (CEI) programs and events.

Program Timeline

  • November 17: Application Launch

  • December 1: Application Deadline

  • Mid-December: Virtual Program Tip-Off

  • December 18: G League Winter Showcase Shadowing and Networking (select participants)

  • January: Virtual Trainings Begin

  • April - May: Hands on Coaching Opportunities (select participants)

  • Late August: Program Concludes

Notable Program Alumni

For the 2025-26 NBA and G League season, 36 program alums are on team coaching staffs or in front office positions, including three head coaches in the NBA or G League this season. In addition to the countless others who are continuing their coaching journey at the college and high school levels, CDP trains its participants for a career in coaching well beyond the program. Here are some of our notable program alumni.

Arinze Onuaku

Mery
Andrade

2019 Participant
Assistant Coach/Player Development, Toronto Raptors
Arinze Onuaku

Hilton Armstrong

2021 Participant
Assistant Coach, Santa Cruz Warriors
Arinze Onuaku

Vin
Baker

2016 Participant
Assistant Coach, Milwaukee Bucks
Arinze Onuaku

Doug
Christie

2011 participant, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings
Arinze Onuaku

Daniel
Ewing

2022 Participant
Scout, Los Angeles Lakers
Arinze Onuaku

Jason Thompson

2024 Participant, Assistant Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers
Arinze Onuaku

Pooh Jeter

2022 Participant
Assistant GM, Rip City Remix & Player Development Coach, Portland Trailblazers
Arinze Onuaku

Phil Pressey

2021 Participant, Head Coach, Maine Celtics
Arinze Onuaku

Jia Perkins

2023 Participant
Assistant Coach, Salt Lake City Stars
Arinze Onuaku

Beno
Udrih

2019 Participant
Head Coach Wisconsin Herd
Arinze Onuaku

Jerry Stackhouse

2014 Participant, Assistant Coach, Golden State Warriors
Arinze Onuaku

Jawad Williams

2022 Participant
Assistant Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Success Stories

Candice Dupree

explores coaching in the NBA Assistant Coaches Program

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Assistant coaches program

helps former players become future coaches

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Front office sports:

program offers former players a path to become coaches

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Requirements

1. Current or former NBA, WNBA or G League player
‍
2. Macbook Laptop Computer with the following Software requirements:
•  Apple MacOS
•  2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 or greater
•  16GB RAM or greater
•  Discrete Radeon Pro graphics card
•  512GB hard drive storage or more
•  Microsoft Office

Apply Now

Please fill in the application form below to be contacted by our Player Development team and learn more about program.

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